The goal of the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) is to protect the health and well-being of the nation's children by providing nutritious school meals every day. NSLP provides funding that makes it possible for schools to offer a nutritious school lunch.

Schools receive federal funds for each lunch served, provided that the meal meets established nutrition standards. The federal government and The State of Maryland provide additional funds to schools for each meal served to children who qualify because of family income, for free or reduced-price meals.

The program is open to all children up to the age of 21 who are enrolled in public and participating private nonprofit schools and residential child care institutions.

Afterschool Snacks Program through NSLP

Through NSLP, afterschool care educational programs may be able to receive reimbursements for snacks. If an afterschool educational program is located in an attendance area of a school in which at least 50 percent or more of enrolled students are eligible for free or reduced-price meals, then all snacks served at that afterschool program will be at the free reimbursement rate.For other attendance areas, snacks are reimbursed on a sliding scale based on the number of students that qualify for free or reduced-priced school meals.

Afterschool providers and schools interested in the opportunity to participate in any of the Afterschool Meals and Snacks Programs should fill out the agency questionnaire to receive more information.

The School Breakfast Program (SBP) provides funding that makes it possible for schools to offer a nutritious breakfast to students each day. The SBP is a federally assisted meal program operating in public and nonprofit private schools and residential child care institutions. The SBP operates in the same manner as the NSLP. Generally, public or nonprofit private schools of high school grade or under and public or nonprofit private residential child care institutions may participate in the SBP. All Local Educational Agencies that choose to take part in the SBP receive cash subsidies from the U.S. Department of Agriculture for each meal they serve. In return, they must serve breakfasts that meet federal requirements, and they must offer free or reduced-price breakfasts to eligible children.

The Special Milk Program provides funding for milk served to children in schools and child care institutions who do not participate in other Federal meal service Programs. the program reimburses schools for the milk they serve. Schools in the NSLP or SBP may also participate in the SMP to provide milk to children in half-day pre-kindergarten and kindergarten programs where children do not have access to the school meal programs.

Is Financial Assistance Available?

Children from low-income families may be eligible for free or reduced-price meals based on family income guidelines set by the federal government.

In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (866) 632-9992. Individuals who are hearing impaired or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339; or (800) 845-6136 (Spanish). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.